Configurable Sunshade for Use with Multiple-Field-of-View Camera System

ABSTRACT

A configurable sunshade for use with a multiple-camera system that has multiple camera sensors with associated fields of view. The sunshade has multiple portions that are independently rotatable with respect to a fixed platform such that in distinct orientations with respect to each other, specified cameras may be blocked from receiving light from a scene, in whole or in part. In other embodiments, individual apertures of a multi-sunshade housing may be separately activated.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/456,228, filed Feb. 8, 2017, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to sunshades for altering the field ofview of a plurality of camera sensors, and, more particularly, toproviding distinct field-of-view configurations for differentcombinations of a plurality of camera sensors.

BACKGROUND ART

Previous methods of shading the sun (or other ambient light) consist oftraditional shutters which close to block light from reaching an imagingsensor, or open to allow the sensor to collect images. Some activelycontrolled shading or baffling rotate a single opening to allow lightinto the sensor when it is ready to collect. Presently, there is noknown configurable sunshade for use with multiple camera sensors thatprovides for three or more different configurations to allow differentfields of view of the camera sensors.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a configurablesunshade is disclosed that is used with a multiple camera system. Themultiple camera system includes a fixed platform having a plurality ofcamera sensors attached thereto, where each sensor has an associatedfield of view for receiving light from a scene dependent on theconfiguration of the sunshade.

The sunshade includes a first portion that is independently rotatablerelative to the fixed platform and has open slots and shaded sections.The first portion is positioned above the fixed platform. The sunshadeincludes a second portion layered below the first portion and above thefixed platform. The second portion is independently rotatable relativeto first portion, where the second portion has open slots and shadedsections different from that of the first portion. The difference inslots and shaded portions between the first and second portions of thesunshade allows for a wide range of different configurations wheredifferent camera sensors may have different fields of view.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the first and secondportions are rotatable to a plurality of positions. In a first positionof both the first and second portions of the sunshade, all cameras areblocked from receiving light from the scene. In a second position ofboth the first and second portions of the sunshade, a first set ofcameras is blocked from receiving light from the scene. In a thirdposition of the first and second portions of the sunshade, a second setof cameras different from the first set of cameras is blocked fromreceiving light from the scene. Thus, there are cameras that do receivelight in the second and third positions and the field of view isdifferent for each position.

The configurable sunshade may further comprise at least one bearingcoupled to the first portion for independently rotating the firstportion. Additionally, a second bearing may be coupled to the secondportion for independently rotating the second portion. The sunshadesystem may also include a controller for controlling the independentrotation of the first and second portions. The system may also include afirst motor coupled to the first portion capable of independentlyrotating the first portion in response to the controller. The system mayinclude a second motor coupled to the second portion capable ofindependently rotating the second portion in response to the controller.The controller may send control signals to the motor for rotating thefirst and second portions to desired positions.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the first portion iscylindrical having a top and a side and wherein a portion of the openslots and shaded sections reside at least on the side of the cylinder.Additionally, the second portion is cylindrical having a top and a sideand wherein a portion of the slots and shaded sections reside on the topof the cylinder. Thus, the first portion is configured to enclose thesecond portion that resides below the first portion. In certainembodiments, the platform that holds the plurality of camera sensors iscircular in shape.

In a first position of the first and second portions of the sunshade,the first and second portions are configured to expose a selectableportion of at least one camera field of view for the scene. In a secondposition of the first and second portions, the first and second portionsare configured to expose a selectable portion of at least one camerafield of view different from that in the first position.

The configurable sunshade may also include the platform and theplurality of cameras that reside on the platform.

It should be recognized that when the first portion and second portionof the sunshade are in the first position a first set of cameras willcapture a first image and when the first and second portions arearranged in a second position a second set of cameras will capture asecond image.

In still yet another embodiment, a method of using a configurablesunshade is disclosed. The configurable sunshade has a first portion anda second portion and the first and second portions residing above afixed frame that includes a plurality of camera sensors. The secondportion resides between the first portion and the fixed platform. Afirst control signal is sent from a controller to a motor for rotatingthe first portion of the sunshade to a desired position for exposing afield of view of one or more cameras, the first portion of the sunshadeincludes open slots and shaded sections to either expose a field of viewof at least one camera sensor residing on the fixed frame or forblocking the field of view of at least one camera sensor on the fixedframe. A second control single is sent from the controller to a motorfor rotating the second portion of the sunshade to a desired positionfor exposing a field of view of one or more cameras, the second portionof the sunshade includes open slots and shaded sections to either exposea field of view of at least one camera residing on the fixed frame orfor blocking the field of view of at least one camera on the fixedframe.

In this configuration, the exposed field of view of the one or morecameras for the first portion is different from the exposed field ofview of one or more cameras for the second portion.

In certain embodiments, the first portion rotates about a first bearingand the second portion rotates about a second bearing. The first portionand the second portion may include a plurality of steps for alignment ofthe first portion and the second portion.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the fixed frame is circular andhas a plurality of camera sensors attached to a top surface.

In an embodiment of the invention, the control signals cause the fieldof view of all of the cameras to be blocked. In another embodiment ofthe invention, a new first control signal is provided and a new secondcontrol signal is provided for repositioning the first portion and thesecond portion relative to the fixed frame and the camera sensors.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method of exposing aselectable portion, less than all of a field of view of a set of camerasto a scene is disclosed. A multi-part camera shade is disposed adjacentthe set of cameras so that at least one camera is aimed toward aninterior of the multi-part camera shade. The multi-part camera shade isconfigured to define apertures by electronic rotation of a first portionof the multi-part camera shade and by electronic rotation of a secondportion of the multi-part camera shade such that the apertures definesthe selectable portion less than all of the field of view of the atleast one camera exposed to the scene. In further embodiments of theinvention, under control of a processor, the position of the aperturesis adjusted by electronic rotation of the first part and the secondpart, such that the apertures are oriented toward the scene.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily understood byreference to the following detailed description, taken with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a camera sensor array on a platform with a two partreconfigurable sunshade;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the system showing the motor, controller andbearings for repositioning the open slots and shaded portions of thereconfigurable sunshade allowing the camera sensors to have differentfields of view from being totally blocked to having a wide field ofview;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart teaching a method of using the configurablesunshade wherein a first portion of the sunshade is positioned to adesired position and a second portion of the sunshade is also positionedto a desired position through the receipt of control signals to acontroller that controls the associated motor and bearings for rotatingeach portion;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart teaching that a multi-part camera shade is placedadjacent to at least one camera sensor and is controlled by a processorto rotationally reposition the first and second portions of the camerashade;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a two dimensional representation of a first portionand a second portion, respectively, of the sunshade, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention, where open and closed regions(shaded regions) are designated;

FIGS. 6A-6F show three dimensional views of the sunscreen with the firstand second portions of FIG. 4 in different positions, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention:

FIG. 6A shows the sunshade completely closed so that no light reachesthe camera sensors;

FIG. 6B shows a new configuration where 2 outer cameras and 1 innercamera are exposed providing a 58 degree field of view for the cameras;

FIG. 6C shows a new configuration where up to 4 outer cameras 605 and 2inner cameras 606 are exposed providing a 90-degree field of view;

FIG. 6D shows a new configuration where up to 8 outer cameras 610 areexposed which allows a field of view of 180°;

FIG. 6E shows a new configuration where up to 4 outer cameras areexposed;

FIG. 6F shows a new configuration where 1 outer camera sensor isexposed;

FIG. 7A-7C show three views of an alternative embodiment in which eachaperture of the sunshade housing includes its own individual sunshade;and

FIGS. 8A-8C show three views of another embodiment in which glass havingvariable levels of opacity is provided, wherein the opacity iselectronically controlled.

FIG. 9 shows a camera sensor array on a platform with a two part conicalshape reconfigurable sunshade according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Definitions.

As used in this description and the accompanying claims, the followingterms shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context otherwiserequires:

The term “slot” or “aperture” shall refer to an opening in the sunshadethat allows light to reach the camera sensors. The term “shaded section”refers to a section of the sunshade that blocks light from reaching oneor more camera sensors thereby blocking at least of portion of the fieldof view of the camera sensor. Thus, the plurality of regions of thesunshade have openings that allow in light and shaded sections thatblock light from reaching the sensors. The configuration of the slotsand shaded sections for the camera sensors defines the overall field ofview for the camera sensor system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a camera sensor array on a platform with a two partreconfigurable sunshade, designated generally by numeral 100. In thisembodiment of the invention, the sunshade has a first portion 101 and asecond portion 102. The two portions are rotatable about bearings 105,106, 107 and 108. Portions 101 and 102 (also referred to herein as“sunshades”) reside above a platform 109 that is preferably a stationaryplatform and that has camera sensors mounted to its top surface 110.Call-out 120 shows the bearings in greater detail. The bearings areconfigured to allow the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 ofthe sunshade 100 to rotate independently. The first portion and secondportion include indents or steps 115 for alignment of the first andsecond portions. As can be seen in the call-out, each portion of thesunshade 100 has its own independent bearing. The sunshade furtherincludes adapters with gearings 120 for coupling to a motor that iscontrolled by a controller (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a side view of the system 200 showing the motor 201,controller 202 and bearings 203, 204 for repositioning the open slots210 a, b, c and shaded portions of the reconfigurable sunshade allowingthe camera sensors to have different fields of view from being totallyblocked to having a wide field of view (e.g., 90 degrees). The term“wide,” as applied to the field of view of a sensor, shall refer tospace angles exceeding 90° in at least one dimension.

Each of the first and the second portions of the sunshade have both openand shaded (closed) sections that align with the camera sensors on thefixed platform allowing light to reach the sensors and for the sensorsto have a defined field of view. As shown in FIG. 2 there is only asingle portion 220 of the sunshade, which is shown for clarity. Thepositioning of the sunshade portion 220 is controlled by a processor 230that may be programed by an individual that wishes to have the sunshadesrotated to a particular position forming a particular configuration ofthe sunshades and provided defined fields of view for a set number ofthe camera sensors 240. It should be understood that some of the camerasensors 240 will be completely blocked from receiving light and othersensors may have a field of view in most configurations. Additionally,the portions of the sunshade can be configured so that no light reachesany of the camera sensors on the platform as will be explained belowwith respect to FIG. 6A.

The controller 202 receives instructions from the processor 230 and thecontroller 202 is designed to work in conjunction with the motors 201 inorder to rotate the sunshade about the bearings to a desired position.As the sunshades 220 are rotated by the motors 201 in conjunction withthe bearings 203, 204, there are a number of steps/indents that whenengaged allow the controller to know the position of the sunshade. Forexample, there may be 10 separate indentations each identify a differentposition for a portion of the sunshade. Thus, from a neutral startingpoint, the controller 202 may receive feedback from feedback sensors 211(e.g., optical or hall-effect sensors) at the motors 201 indicating thata step has been engaged. Other mechanisms for aligning the sunshade mayalso be used as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart teaching a method of using the configurablesunshade wherein a first portion of the sunshade is positioned to adesired position and a second portion of the sunshade is also positionedto a desired position through the receipt of control signals to acontroller that controls the associated motor and bearings for rotatingeach portion.

First, the controller sends a first control signal from the controllerto a motor for rotating the first portion of the sunshade to a desiredposition for exposing a field of view of one or more cameras, step 300The first portion of the sunshade including open slots and shadedsections to either expose a field of view of at least one camera sensorresiding on the fixed frame or for blocking the field of view of atleast one camera sensor on the fixed frame.

A second control single is sent from the controller to a motor forrotating the second portion of the sunshade to a desired position forexposing a field of view of one or more camera, step 320 The secondportion of the sunshade includes open slots and shaded sections toeither expose a field of view of at least one camera residing on thefixed frame or for blocking the field of view of at least one camera onthe fixed frame.

Thus by positioning the first and second sunshades at differentpositions, different fields of view can be created. In some embodiments,the number of different configurations can be in excess of 10. Sixvariations are shown in FIGS. 6A-6F.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart teaching the configuration and operation of amulti-part camera shade from a first configuration to a secondconfiguration. During operation, a user may desire to change the fieldof view of the camera sensors by repositioning the first and secondportions of the camera sunshade thereby repositioning the openings andshaded sections of the sunshade.

First a multi-part camera shade is positioned adjacent a set of camerasensors so that at least one camera sensor is aimed toward an interiorof the multi-part camera shade, step 400. In other embodiments, morethan one camera sensor is aimed toward the interior of the multi-partcamera shade. The multi-part sunshade may have a 3-dimensionalconfiguration, wherein the sunshade is shaped like a cylinder and hassidewalls and a circular top surface. Thus, the cameras may be directedat the top surface or at the sidewalls of the sunshade.

The multi-part camera shade is configured in a first configuration todefine apertures by electronic rotation of a first portion of themulti-part camera shade and by electronic rotation of a second portionof the multi-part camera shade such that the apertures define theselectable portion less than all of the field of view of the at leastone camera exposed to the scene.

Based on either user selection or a determination that the field of viewand therefore the apertures should be changed, the position of theapertures is adjusted to a second configuration by electronic rotationof the first part and the second part, such that the apertures areoriented toward the scene. The sunshade can be repositioned to havedifferent apertures at different locations of the camera sensors for aplurality of configurations, step 420.

FIGS. 5A and 5B shows a two dimensional representation of a firstportion (first circle) 500 in FIG. 5A and a second portion (secondcircle) 501 in FIG. 5B of the sunshade where open and closed regions(shaded regions) are designated. In FIG. 5A, the open portions includean inner 510 and an outer ring 520 of the circle. The outer ring 521 onthe lower half of the sunshade is completely open. The inner ring of thesunshade on the lower half of the sunshade has an opening only over theright quarter of the circle 522 from lines B-D that define the diameterof the circle to the line defined by a-c. For the second portion of thesunshade 501 shown in FIG. 5B, the openings are over the top diameter ofthe circle, where there is an opening over the entire inner 530 andentire outer 531 rings. These two circles 500 and 501 can be overlaid ontop of one another and rotated in position to produce three or moreseparate configurations providing different openings and therefore,different fields of view for the camera sensors that reside below one ofthe openings. The two dimensional representation can be configured intoa three dimensional representation by folding the outer ring so that itforms the sidewalls of a cylinder as shown in FIGS. 6A-6F.

FIGS. 6A-6F show three-dimensional views of the sunshade 100 (shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B), with the first and second portions of FIGS. 5A and 5Bin different positions. As shown the outer rings (520, 531) from FIGS.5A and 5B are bent down to form the walls of a cylinder. FIG. 6A showsthe sunshade 600 completely closed so that no light reaches the camerasensors. This is accomplished by having the circles of FIGS. 5A and 5Boverlapping one another such that the shaded section of the first circle540, 541 covers the top half of the circle blocking all light while thebottom half of the second circle 550 blocks all light at the bottom.Thus, the combination of the first portion and second portion completelyblocks out all of the light from reaching the camera sensors at surface110 (shown in FIG. 1). The notation “x=a” denotes that the x-radialshown in FIG. 5B is aligned with the a-radial shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6B shows a new configuration where 2 outer cameras 601 and 1 innercamera 602 are exposed providing a 58 degree field of view for thecombination of the 3 total cameras. The first portion of the sunshade603 and the second portion of the sunshade 604 overlap. The field ofview comprises the combination of the open sections of the first and thesecond portions of the sunshade. Thus, for light to reach the camerasensors there must be an opening in both the first and second portionsat the location of the camera sensor.

FIG. 6C shows a new configuration where up to 4 outer cameras 605 and 2inner cameras 606 are exposed providing a 90-degree field of view. FIG.6D shows a new configuration where up to 8 outer cameras 610 are exposedwhich allows a field of view of 180°. (Note: The sign of the field ofview denotes the relative positions of the inner and outer sunshades.)FIG. 6E shows a new configuration where up to 4 outer cameras areexposed, while FIG. 6F shows a new configuration where 1 outer camerasensor is exposed.

FIGS. 7A-7C show three views of an alternative embodiment 700 in whicheach aperture 710 of the sunshade housing includes its own individualsunshade 720. Each aperture has its own individually controlledsunshade. The individually controlled sunshades are mounted in a layeredpattern such that opening select multiple shudders would allow light tobe received by a corresponding sensor. This configuration requires a oneto one correspondence between the aperture/sunshade and the camera. Insuch a configuration, the only moving part is the sunshade for anaperture. There are no separately rotatable or repositionable portionsof the sunshade itself as in prior embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8C depict another embodiment in which glass has variable levelsof opacity, wherein the opacity is electronically controlled. Forexample, smart glass or switchable glass may be used wherein the lighttransmission properties are altered when a voltage, or heat are applied.In most configurations, the glass changes from translucent totransparent moving from blocking all wavelengths of light to lettinglight pass through. In the configuration shown, active shading oropening of the sensor input is provided for a multiple field-of-viewcamera system. Each of the desired openings has a separate electricalconnection for changing the opacity of that opening. The configurationis actively controlled based upon sensor selection. As shown in FIG. 8A,only one opening 800 is created for allowing light to flow through. InFIG. 8B, a plurality of different openings are transmissive, includingapertures 801, 802, 803. Finally, FIG. 8C shows a configuration similarto that FIG. 8A is an inner ring 807 and an outer ring 808. Thus,multiple camera sensors can be selected, and an electric voltage can beapplied to the desired regions for changing the opacity of the glass.

The foregoing examples are described in terms of two cylindricalsunshades, but it will be appreciated that the invention is not limitedto that specific geometry and there are other specific sunshade shapessuch as conical, flat and other shape geometries that can be used inother specific embodiments. For example, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of acamera sunshade system 900 with a two part shape conical shape sunshadehaving an outer conical shape sunshade 901 and an inner conical shapesunshade 902. Both the outer sunshade 901 and the inner sunshade 902have elliptical shape sensor apertures 903 and 904 respectively suchthat independent rotation of the outer sunshade 901 and the innersunshade 902 can be controlled to align a pair of the apertures 903 and904 over a selected pair of camera sensors (not shown). In theembodiment shown in FIG. 9, the inner apertures 904 are also covered byfilters 905 that filter the incoming ambient light as desired, forexample, polarizing filters, infrared or UV filters, etc.

The present invention may be embodied in many different forms,including, but in no way limited to, computer program logic for use witha processor (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signalprocessor, or general purpose computer), programmable logic for use witha programmable logic device (e.g., a Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA) or other PLD), discrete components, integrated circuitry (e.g.,an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)), or any other meansincluding any combination thereof.

Computer program logic implementing all or part of the functionalitypreviously described herein may be embodied in various forms, including,but in no way limited to, a source code form, a computer executableform, and various intermediate forms (e.g., forms generated by anassembler, compiler, linker, or locator.) Source code may include aseries of computer program instructions implemented in any of variousprogramming languages (e.g., an object code, an assembly language, or ahigh-level language such as Fortran, C, C++, JAVA, or HTML) for use withvarious operating systems or operating environments. The source code maydefine and use various data structures and communication messages. Thesource code may be in a computer executable form (e.g., via aninterpreter), or the source code may be converted (e.g., via atranslator, assembler, or compiler) into a computer executable form.

The computer program may be fixed in any form (e.g., source code form,computer executable form, or an intermediate form) either permanently ortransitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductormemory device (e.g., a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-ProgrammableRAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), anoptical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM), a PC card (e.g., PCMCIA card),or other memory device. The computer program may be fixed in any form ina signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of variouscommunication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analogtechnologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wirelesstechnologies, networking technologies, and internetworking technologies.The computer program may be distributed in any form as a removablestorage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation(e.g., shrink wrapped software or a magnetic tape), preloaded with acomputer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed froma server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system(e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web.)

Hardware logic (including programmable logic for use with a programmablelogic device) implementing all or part of the functionality previouslydescribed herein may be designed using traditional manual methods, ormay be designed, captured, simulated, or documented electronically usingvarious tools, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), a hardwaredescription language (e.g., VHDL or AHDL), or a PLD programming language(e.g., PALASM, ABEL, or CUPL.)

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the true scope of the invention. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A configurable sunshade for use with a multiplecamera system including a fixed platform having a plurality of camerasensors attached thereto, each sensor having an associated field of viewfor receiving light from a scene, the sunshade comprising: a firstportion that is independently rotatable relative to the fixed platformand having open slots and shaded sections, the first portion positionedabove the fixed platform; a second portion layered below the firstportion and above the fixed platform and independently rotatablerelative to first portion, the second portion having open slots andshaded sections different from that of the first portion; the first andsecond portions rotatable to a plurality of positions wherein in a firstposition all cameras are blocked from receiving light from the scene; ina second position a first set of cameras is blocked from receiving lightfrom the scene and in a third position a second set of cameras differentfrom the first set of cameras is blocked from receiving light from thescene.
 2. The configurable sunshade according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least one bearing coupled to the first portion forrotating the first portion.
 3. The configurable sunshade according toclaim 2, further comprising at least one bearing coupled to the secondportion for rotating the second portion.
 4. The configurable sunshadeaccording to claim 1, further comprising a controller for controllingthe rotation of the first and second portions.
 5. The configurablesunshade according to claim 4, further comprising a first motor coupledto the first portion capable of rotating the first portion in responseto the controller.
 6. The configurable sunshade according to claim 5,further comprising a second motor coupled to the second portion capableof rotating the second portion in response to the controller.
 7. Theconfigurable sunshade according to claim 1, wherein the first portion iscylindrical having a top and a side and wherein a portion of the openslots and shaded sections reside on the side of the cylinder.
 8. Theconfigurable sunshade according to claim 1, wherein the second portionis cylindrical having a top and a side and wherein a portion of theslots and shaded sections reside on the top of the cylinder.
 9. Theconfigurable sunshade according to claim 1, wherein the platform iscircular.
 10. The configurable sunshade according to claim 1, wherein inthe first position, the first and second portions are configured toexpose a selectable portion of at least one camera field of view for thescene.
 11. The configurable sunshade according to claim 9, wherein inthe second position the first and second portions are configured toexpose a selectable portion of at least one camera field of viewdifferent from that in the first position.
 12. The configurable sunshadeaccording to claim 1, further comprising: the plurality of camerasensors attached to the fixed platform.
 13. The configurable sunshadeaccording to claim 1, causing a first set of cameras to capture a firstimage when in a first position and adjusting the first and secondportions so that a second set of cameras capture a second image.
 14. Amethod of using a configurable sunshade, the configurable sunshadehaving a first portion and a second portion, the first and secondportions residing above a fixed frame that includes a plurality ofcamera sensors, the second portion residing between the first portionand the fixed platform, the method comprising: sending a first controlsignal from a controller to a motor for rotating the first portion ofthe sunshade to a desired position for exposing a field of view of oneor more cameras, the first portion of the sunshade including open slotsand shaded sections to either expose a field of view of at least onecamera sensor residing on the fixed frame or for blocking the field ofview of at least one camera sensor on the fixed frame; and sending asecond control single from the controller to a motor for rotating thesecond portion of the sunshade to a desired position for exposing afield of view of one or more cameras, the second portion of the sunshadeincluding open slots and shaded sections to either expose a field ofview of at least one camera residing on the fixed frame or for blockingthe field of view of at least one camera on the fixed frame.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, wherein the exposed field of view of theone or more cameras for the first portion is different from the exposedfield of view of one or more cameras for the second portion.
 16. Themethod according to claim 14, wherein the first portion rotates about afirst bearing and the second portion rotates about a second bearing. 17.The method according to claim 14, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion include a plurality of steps for alignment of the firstportion and the second portion.
 18. The method according to claim 14,wherein the fixed frame is circular.
 19. The method according to claim14, wherein the first and second control signals cause the field of viewof all of the cameras to be blocked.
 20. The method according to claim14, wherein a new first control signal is provided and a new secondcontrol signal is provided for repositioning the first portion and thesecond portion relative to the fixed frame and the camera sensors.
 21. Amethod of exposing a selectable portion, less than all of a field ofview of a set of cameras to a scene, the method comprising: disposing amulti-part camera shade adjacent the set of cameras so that at least onecamera is aimed toward an interior of the multi-part camera shade, themulti-part camera shade being configured to define apertures byelectronic rotation of a first portion of the multi-part camera shadeand by electronic rotation of a second portion of the multi-part camerashade such that the apertures defines the selectable portion less thanall of the field of view of the at least one camera exposed to thescene; and under control of a processor, adjusting the position of theapertures by electronic rotation of the first part and the second part,such that the apertures are oriented toward the scene.